National Trucker Appreciation Week: Say thanks and celebrate

TORONTO (March 8) — Trucking industry groups, motor carriers, and industry suppliers are being encouraged to celebrate National Trucker Appreciation Week from May 31 to June 6 to recognize the contributions of truckers across the country.

The event is being promoted by the Canadian Trucking Alliance as a chance to say thanks to the 400,000 Canadian men and women who keep the country’s freight moving.

“Trucking provides a vitally important service to Canadians — yet it is an industry that is often taken for granted,” said CTA chief executive officer David Bradley. “All the industry’s employees deserve thanks”

Active participation is being encouraged and no gesture would be too small, Bradley noted. “Carriers can participate by holding special events in their own operation and community,” he said. “We are not telling people what to do, but if every company would so something within their means and time constraints, it will have considerable impact.”

The Ontario Trucking Association has produced an on-line brochure entitled National Trucker Appreciation Week – 52 Great Ways to Celebrate, available at the OTA web site.

Bradley said he hoped the event would be held annually.

The CTA released a list of events planned by its seven provincial affiliates:

> Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association: Will hold Driver Appreciation Days at Aulac Irving Big Stop, Aulac, N.B., and Salisbury Irving Big Stop, Salisbury, N.B. (dates to be announced).

> Quebec Trucking Association: Will organize, in conjunction with government agencies and other associations, important week-long activities in all regions of Quebec. Drivers will be recognized through many special events. A public education campaign will also be part of the program.

> Ontario Trucking Association: Will celebrate with a week-long radio ad campaign; public service announcements on road sharing techniques; OTA Road Knights Team will be making public presentations on road sharing at shopping malls and other locations; members will undertake a letter writing campaign to inform politicians and media about the contributions of the trucking industry.

There will also be an information campaign for the media that will provide story ideas and key facts about the trucking industry. Other activities are still in the planning stages.

> Manitoba Trucking Association: Anticipates celebrating and may hold events in conjunction with the Canadian Truck Show held at Winnipeg’s Red River Exhibition Park in June.

> Saskatchewan Trucking Association: Will promote the week in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Southern Regional Truck Driving Championships held on June 5.

> Alberta Trucking Association: Will celebrate in conjunction with the Alberta Trucking Industry Safety Association (ATISA) Annual Truck Rodeo on June 5.

> British Columbia Trucking Association: Special promotions at major weigh scales; media campaign to promote importance of truck drivers to economy; and special recognition of drivers in conjunction with annual BC truck driving championships.